LAWN TENNIS MANNERS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 19148, 14 October 1925, Page 16

LAWN TENNIS MANNERS.

There is an etiquette in all games, and the path of the new player is made easier and more pleasant by knowing what that etiquette is. Thousands of novice players are coming into lawn tennis, and some of them offend against the unwritten laws out of ignorance rather than bad sportsmanship. They ran hardly be blamed if they do not know; but, on the other hand, they should make it their business to know as soon as possible. The essence of all good manners on the court may be. summed# up in the one phrase: "Don't pose," writes h rank Poxon in an English exchange. Do not look up to high heaven with an agonised expression if you muff a sitter at the net; do not shake your racket with a "Don't do that again" look on your face if your drive goes into the net or into the next court —it, is the user of the racket who is to blame. And—most important of all—do not take a covert glance at any onlookers there may be if you have got in a good stroke. Even If they didn't notice it, that does not matter a great deal, you know. Why some players call out "Service" as they prepare to serve I have never been able to understand; the intention is fairly obvious, one would think, and if the receiver is not ready that is his look out. In a doubles match, do not turn the game into either a debating or mutual admiration society. An occasional "Good shot! partner," or an equally occasional "Well played," to the opponents, is not out of place, but incessant chatter certainly is. Get on with the game, quietly and with concentration. the spectators can do all the applauding necessary. Remember that in a doubles match one player must be in charge, and the "junior partner" must act implicitly on such injunctions as "Yours, partner," "Leave it," "Take left." Some, chivalrous souls in a mixed doubles always think it accessary to call out "Sorry!" if they smash to the imposing lady. If that same opposing lady knows anything about the game she will feel rather annoyed, so do not express your sorrow at making a good shot: keep your contrition for your bad ones. Lawn tennis is a game which develops in its players a certain highlystrung tenseness, and little things are apt to produce displays of pique and momentary bad temper. A net cord stroke against, you at a crucial moment is disturbing, I know. but. that is no reason why you should look injured—you will get plenty of them yourself if you play long enough. Take the luck as it. comes along and don't fret and fume. Finally, when you .. have progressed far enough to have an umpire for your games, never forget that the man' on the ladder is. for the time being, above suspicion, either of incompetence or unfairness. You are there to accept his rulings with cheerful good sportsmanship, even if you know them to be wrong. Yours not to reason why—yours just to play the game.